Tech features: The engineers at G-Form must have
paid attention in chemistry class,

because they fiddled around withsome molecules and createdwhat they call RPT, which isa rate-dependent technologythat stiffens on impact. Whena G-Form pad is struck, it willharden and then return to itsnatural state. The back of thesleeves use a lightweight meshmaterial, and there are sili-cone grippers to hold the padsin place. The pads we testedoffered added shin coverage aswell as knee protection and sellfor $110.Field test results: G-Form’sknee and shin combo offered ahuge area of protection. Riders withflat pedals and beat-up shins shouldlook for this product. The Pro-X padsare light and flexible enough to putin a hydration pack for a climb; how-ever, we never felt the need to slidethem off. They breathed well and took quitea beating, although the material did bunchup a little bit in the back while we were

KNEEPAD
SHOOTOUT

pedaling. Longer tops allowed us to pull
the pads up higher than other test pads.

This was helpful, because we could use the
silicone leg grippers on our short liners as
extra security to hold the pads in place.

Comfort: 3

Protection: 4

Price: 3

Overall score: 10

if you’re worried about your shins, but
they offer great protection for your knees.

Having a cutaway behind the knees makes
this a comfortable set of pads that can be
worn all day.

Comfort: 5

Protection: 4

Price: 5

Overall score: 14

LEATT AIRFLEX PRO

Tech features: Airflex Pros are the
slimmest pads made by Leatt but still
offer a high level of impact performance.
Besides making sure its pads are CE level
1 approved, the engineers at Leatt take it
upon themselves to test all their products
in their own lab. Airflex pads are left- and
right-side specific. They have a cut-away
back sleeve to prevent bunching of the
material, and they use a moisture-wicking
fabric to keep sweat and smells at bay.
Extra padding is added to the sides and
upper knee. Silicone grippers hold the pads
in place, and it’s all brought to you at a
great price of $79.

Field test results: The Airflex pads
have just about every feature you could ask
for. They keep your knees cool, protected
and comfortable. They also stay in place
really well thanks to the silicone grippers
that cup around your knees. Leatt’s Airflex
pads aren’t going to be the best choice